59 Aug 2021 - Khalifa University
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
UNIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENTS & UPDATES KHALIFA UNIVERSITY TOPS IN UAE AND RANKED SECOND IN ARAB WORLD IN NATURE INDEX 2021 RANKING FOR RESEARCH 22 PAPERS PUBLISHED BY KHALIFA UNIVERSITY INDICATE HIGH-QUALITY RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES Khalifa University has announced it is ranked top in the UAE and second among Arab institutions in terms of research output by the latest Nature Index 2021 Ranking. With a total of 22 research papers, and a ‘share’ of (6.53), Khalifa University remains ahead of all other contenders in the UAE. Among the Arab institutions, Khalifa University jumped seven places to become the second in the Nature Index 2021 ranking for research. Khalifa University has a total of 11 research papers in Earth and Environmental Sciences, 9 in Physical Sciences and 4 in Chemistry, for the 1 May 2020 - 1 April 2021 assessment period. The UAE, as a country, had a total of 122 research papers from 10 institutions. The Nature Index is a database of author affiliations and institutional relationships. It is an indicator of high-quality research in the Natural and Physical Sciences, including Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Physical Sciences. The Index tracks contributions to research articles published in 82 high-quality natural-science journals, chosen by an independent group of researchers. The latest rankings were based on the Nature Index data from 1 May 2020 - 1 April 2021. READ MORE HERE
UNIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENTS & UPDATES KHALIFA UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS COMPLETE REFERENCE GENOME STUDY FOR THE UAE RESEARCH TO SUPPORT ACCURATE CLASSIFICATION OF GENOME VARIANTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Dr. Habiba Alsafar, Associate Professor of Subsequently, in 2020, the researchers completed Genetics and Molecular Biology, Dr. Andreas the second phase which described the nature of the Henschel, Associate Professor of Electrical genetic diversity found among UAE nationals. This Engineering and Computer Science, with year, the researchers completed the third phase Dr. Gihan Daw Elbait and Dr. Guan Tay, from the of the UAE reference genome, which supports a Center for Biotechnology, recently authored a broader understanding of the genome composition report titled ‘A population-specific Major Allele of the nation. Reference Genome from the United Arab Emirates population’ in the international journal Frontiers in Following advancements in DNA sequencing and Genetics. analysis techniques since renowned scientist The report described a significant local genome Craig Venter and his colleagues published the first study that will contribute to nationwide efforts whole human genome sequence at the turn of this to build a high-quality, comprehensive reference century, the genome study has become part of a genome for the UAE population. major area of research at Khalifa University. The first phase of the study — the description of the first whole genome sequences of READ MORE HERE UAE nationals — was completed in 2019.
UNIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENTS & UPDATES WORLD’S FIRST SOLAR/THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE-POWERED PROJECT TO EXTRACT WATER FROM AIR AT MASDAR CITY The world’s first project to produce commercial volumes of an uninterrupted water supply from a sustainable source launched last month in Masdar City. The innovative pilot project will be run by US- based water technologies company, AQUOVUM, in partnership with Masdar and Khalifa University, as part of a three-party research and development agreement, according to a joint press release issued on Sunday. The project will evaluate the performance of AQUOVUM’s large format Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) technology, which extracts water from the atmosphere using a renewable energy source, in combination with a renewable energy source, and its ability to be included in current and/or future sustainable water projects. The renewable energy will be provided by KU’s Masdar Institute Solar Platform (MISP). KU’s Dr. Nicolas Calvet, Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering and Principal Investigator of the project, said, “Previously, we have focused on concentrated solar power and thermal energy storage, and we are diversifying our R&D activity at the Masdar Institute Solar Platform with clean production of fresh water. Indeed, solar and water should be the main pillars of research and development in the UAE and this project will run for 12 months and provide valuable performance data for a full year’s weather cycle.” READ MORE HERE
UNIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENTS & UPDATES FALL 2021 ORIENTATIONS WELCOMED NEW UNDERGRADUATE, POST-GRADUATE AND MEDICAL STUDENTS Khalifa University successfully organized a four- Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, Senior Vice-President, day undergraduate and postgraduate Fall 2021 Academic and Student Services, Khalifa University, orientation program for the newly enrolled students said: “Reflecting our status as a consistently top- for the 2021-2022 academic year, acclimatizing ranked university in the UAE, the undergraduate them with the learning process at the university. and postgraduate orientation program for Fall 2021 is designed to welcome and facilitate a From Fall 2021, Khalifa University is offering new smooth transition of students into the Khalifa bachelor’s programs in Cell and Molecular Biology, University community. and Earth and Planetary Sciences, as well as a new Master’s program in Aerospace Engineering. The event provides an opportunity for the students In doctoral programs, Khalifa University now and their families to understand the world- additionally offers a PhD in Chemistry, Earth class learning environment we offer at Khalifa Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics. University, and we are delighted to welcome them into this vibrant community. We look forward to The Fall 2021 Undergraduate Student Orientation their fresh ideas and the energy they bring to our was held from 16-17 August, and the Fall 2021 Post- campus, because it is they who make us what we Graduate Student Orientation from 18-19 August. are.” READ MORE HERE
UNIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENTS & UPDATES KHALIFA UNIVERSITY 2021 SUMMER COMMUNITY WEBINAR SERIES TO OFFER DEEPER INSIGHTS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, MEDICINE, AND BUSINESS START-UPS STRING OF EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS BACK FOR scenarios, lessons from coronavirus and science THE SECOND SUMMER EDITION WITH MORE and technology, to tips on how to better understand INTERESTING TOPICS RELEVANT TO A WIDER one’s personality, build leadership skills, and create AUDIENCE IN THE COMMUNITY a sustainable lifestyle. Khalifa University of Science and Technology has Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice- announced the Summer Community Webinar President, Khalifa University, said: “The 2021 Khalifa series is back for the second year in 2021, offering University Summer Community Webinar series more interesting topics and discussions in science, reflects our commitment to spread knowledge technology, medicine, and business start-ups that and increase awareness in science, technology, are relevant to a greater audience in the community. medicine, and business start-ups as well as personal and professional development areas. The 2021 Summer Community Webinar series These webinars are designed by our faculty experts targets everyone – from high school and university to offer special insights in subjects that are relevant students, to parents, professionals and those to everyone in the community. We believe this keen to broaden their skill set and knowledge. intellectual exchange will meet with the success The free seminars are part of Khalifa University’s similar to the previous summer and winter editions active commitment to sharing knowledge and of the Webinar series.” resources, offering additional insights to the local and international community of learners on various READ MORE HERE subjects. The topics range from post-pandemic
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS The International Distinguished Service Award is in recognition of Dr. Belhaj’s 38 years of combined petroleum industrial and academic experience with key qualifications and achievements in reservoir engineering, reservoir simulation, modeling fractured reservoirs, EOR, sand control, unconventional reservoirs and decarbonized fossil fuels. Geographically, his experience is spread over North America, Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Middle-East. Dr. Belhaj was also a previous recipient of the 2013 and 2020 SPE Regional Distinguished Achievement for TWO FACULTY MEMBERS Petroleum Engineering Faculty Award and the 2019 RECOGNIZED IN 2021 SPE Regional Reservoir Description and Dynamics Award. SPE INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL AWARDS Dr. Emad Al Shalabi, Assistant Professor of Petroleum Engineering, is the recipient The Society of Petroleum Engineering (SPE) of the SPE Regional recognized two Khalifa University faculty Reservoir Description and members in its International and Regional Awards Dynamic Award for the in recognition of their exceptional service and Middle East and North leadership within the SPE. Africa Region. The award is one of the Technical Awards Dr. Hadi Belhaj, given by SPE to members Associate Professor for their exceptional of Petroleum contribution and expertise on the regional level. The Engineering, was Reservoir Description and Dynamics Award recognizes honored with outstanding achievements in or contributions to the the 2021 SPE advancement of petroleum engineering, specifically in International the area of reservoir description and dynamics. Distinguished Service Award Dr. Al Shalabi has remarkable contributions in the for his significant fields of reservoir simulation, modeling, and enhanced/ professional contributions not only to the improved oil recovery (EOR/IOR) techniques, which are petroleum engineering profession but to the critical to the oil and gas industry. worldwide oil and gas industry as well. The award recognizes contributions to the Society that exhibit His achievements in the area of EOR and specifically such exceptional devotion of time, effort, thought, in low salinity water flooding for carbonate reservoirs and action as to set them apart from other promise greatly improved extraction and use of the contributions. world’s natural resources.
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS He has made great progress in elucidating the uncertainties associated with low salinity water injection KU SCIENTIST TO through in-depth, critical analysis of the LEAD CLIMATE DATA experimental works of other researchers AND MODELING as well as his own simulation and modeling works. CLUSTER OF NEWLY ESTABLISHED “I am extremely humbled and honored UAE CLIMATE to receive such a prestigious award that CHANGE RESEARCH reflects my significant contribution to the oil and gas industry. In the Middle East NETWORK and North Africa region, carbonate rocks provide great challenges to successful Climate change and its impact ENGEOS Lab, has been oil and gas production. Hence, we need has been a growing concern appointed Lead of the Climate to apply innovative and cost effective worldwide. To continue and Data and Modeling Cluster in EOR techniques to further enhance their further enhance the UAE’s which there are more than production where my research activities efforts in addressing the issue 30 scientists spread over are focused,” Dr. Al Shalabi commented. of climate change, the Ministry the different universities of Climate Change and the and institutions in the UAE. Prior to receiving the 2021 Reservoir Environment (MOCCAE) has This cluster focuses on the Description and Dynamics Award, Dr. Al Shalabi has also received the 2020 established the UAE Climate local and regional climatic SPE Regional Public Service Award, Change Research Network conditions, trends, and 2020 SPE Regional Service Award, (CCRN). The Network brings projections. These include and 2020 SPE Regional Young Member together a group of committed temperature, precipitation, sea Outstanding Service Award for the climate change scientists and level, and extreme weather Middle East and North Africa (MENA) researchers from universities, events such as heatwaves, Region. the government, and other flooding, storms, etc. research entities to promote Dr. Al Shalabi was also recently collaborations among scientists As cluster lead, Dr. Diana appointed as a technical program in the region working on the will be responsible for committee member for SPE’s different challenges imposed by coordinating agenda-setting, International Improved Oil Recovery climate change. project design, and research (IOR) Conference. The IOR Conference is activities within the cluster, scheduled to run from 25 -29 April 2022 The Network is organized into as well as organizing cluster in Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA). 4 clusters spanning different discussions, engaging other With the theme “IOR: Thrive in a Low topics of concern with the cluster members, and Carbon Economy”, the 2022 conference members identified based ensuring the delivery projects. will focus on how today’s energy on their expertise. Khalifa industry is working diligently to reduce University’s very own Dr. Diana emissions and waste across all oil and Francis, Senior Research READ MORE HERE gas industry sectors. Scientist and Head of the
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS CHEMISTRY PROFESSOR JOINS RSC CRYSTENGCOMM JOURNAL ADVISORY BOARD Dr. Sharmarke Mohamed, Assistant Professor Dr. Mohamed was also recently recognized as a of Chemistry, has been appointed as a member 2021 Emerging Investigators by the American of the advisory board of CrystEngComm, a Royal Chemical Society journal Crystal Growth and Society of Chemistry (RSC) journal that focuses Design in the area of crystal growth and design. on the design and understanding of crystalline One of 24 researchers from nine countries, Dr. materials. Mohamed has received international recognition for his research achievements and growing This new appointment highlights Dr. Mohamed’s reputation in his field. expertise as well as the progress of research in materials science in the UAE. “I am excited “I am grateful for the academic freedoms and to join the advisory board of the RSC journal, support that the KU leadership has provided CrystEngComm. The journal has established itself during my time here. Our greatest strength as as the home of crystal engineering research and a university is our diversity. This diversity is continues to publish the spectrum of research reflected in our students and faculty which hail in this field, ranging from the purely theoretical from all corners of the world. But this diversity to the purely experimental. I am currently one of is also reflected in the quality of the scientific only two professors from the UAE who have been research we are producing,” Dr. Mohamed noted. appointed to the board of the journal. I plan to use my new role to bring better visibility to materials science research in the UAE,” Dr. Mohamed READ MORE HERE commented.
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS EBTIC’S SPL TEAM WINS TWO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING AWARDS IN UK EBTIC AND BT TEAM WIN INTERNATIONAL AWARDS BASED ON INNOVATION, RELEVANCE AND EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS, FOR THEIR SPL SOLUTION AND TRIAL The SPL team led by Salwa Alzahmi, a senior researcher at KU’s Emirates ICT Innovation Center (EBTIC), has won two awards in two categories at the prestigious 2021 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Awards in the UK. The awards won by EBTIC’s SPL were in the categories of Best Cloud Automation Tool and Best Use of Automation. An elite panel of 12 and Computer Science, Khalifa University, judges selected the SPL entries as winners said: “Achieving this success in the 2021 based on the evidence of three factors – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning innovation, relevance, and achieved success. Awards across two categories strongly More specifically, the Best Cloud Automation indicates the extent of cutting-edge Tool award was given to EBTIC and BT for the technological innovation being produced by tool’s innovative and fully featured automation the EBTIC’s SPL team productive partnership solution that is designed to ease the burden with BT to accurately target the future of application migration to the Cloud. In their requirements of the industry in these areas. citation, the judges mentioned that the SPL Our team members have demonstrated their Tool ‘has the opportunity to hugely reduce talent in another prestigious international code complexity, thus improving security and competition, and we hope to continue reducing the cost of cloud migration’. exploring innovation through working on new projects in AI and ML-related areas.” Dr. Nawaf I. Almoosa, Acting Director, Head of Smart Infrastructure Research, EBTIC, and READ MORE HERE Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS KHALIFA UNIVERSITY STUDENT TEAM WINS TOP SPOT IN VERBAL PRESENTATION AT 2021 SAE COLLEGIATE DESIGN SERIES SUPERMILEAGE COMPETITION A 21-member student team led by Sultan Since the traditional validation event at Al Hassanieh has won the top spot in verbal the 42nd SAE Collegiate Design Series presentation for the first time during the Supermileage Competition was cancelled due Knowledge Event at the 42nd Society of to the pandemic this year, the organizers opted Automotive Engineers (SAE) Collegiate Design to score teams based on two major criteria – Series Supermileage Competition for 2021. the submitted design report that details the The team also retained 6th spot overall in the design and fabrication of the vehicle, and a Design Event, the same position it won last year verbal presentation on Zoom in which team in Michigan, US. members present their design process and final outcome to a panel of judges. The student The verbal design report demonstrates the team was then critically questioned, and the Khalifa University team’s understanding and Khalifa University students proved their mettle application of the engineering principles that to reach the top spot. They were also assessed support their design of the one-person, single- on team participation, program knowledge and cylinder engine vehicle, capable of achieving technical knowledge. fantastic fuel economy during a 6-lap attempt around an approximately 1.6-mile-long, READ MORE HERE banked, oval track.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS RESEARCH ON SUSTAINABLE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM NABS 2ND PLACE WIN AT THE 8TH UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH COMPETITION The Undergraduate Research Competition Dr. Fawzi Banat, Professor and Chair of the (URC) is one of the largest competitions in the Chemical Engineering Department, commented, GCC that promotes scientific research among “In the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic undergraduate students and supports the UAE Subjects 2021, which is dedicated to academic government’s initiative of fostering innovation institutions for teaching and research, the and empowering the youth to prepare them for Department of Chemical Engineering is ranked the future. The Chemical Engineering senior among the top 76-100. To achieve this ranking, project of Khalifa University students Muna the department achieved high scores on all of Al Jasmi, Anfal Abloushi, Shamma Thani, the analyzed indicators, which include articles Reem Saeed Salem, and Ali Ahmed Algallaf, indexed in Web of Science, total number of supervised by Prof. Lourdes Vega and Dr. Daniel citations, citations per article, articles published Bahamon, won second place in the Chemical in the top 25% of scientific journals, and and Petroleum Engineering Category of the international interaction developed through competition, with the project titled “Design an collaborations with foreign institutions.” Adsorption Air-Conditioning System Using Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants.” “The department is dedicated to research Cooling systems are an essential technology in and teaching excellence and currently offers our life, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees,” Dr. like the UAE. Banat added. The design the team came up with can be used here in the UAE and other countries with similar READ MORE HERE weather conditions.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS IISE STUDENT CHAPTER HONORED WITH GOLD AWARD FROM LEFT: MOHAMMED ALAMERI, MAJID SALAH, AND KHALID ALHOSANI Khalifa University’s student chapter of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) was recently honored with the institute’s Gold Award – for the first time. The award is the highest honor in the professional organization’s University Chapter Recognition Program. This award recognizes the chapter’s excellence in various areas such as student support, training events, field trips, public engagement and community service activities during the 2020-2021 academic year. The mission of the IISE student chapter at Khalifa University is to represent the industrial and systems engineering profession responsibly and ethically. Further, it aims to enhance the capabilities of all of its members and develop the next generation of industrial and systems engineers.
FIVE-MEMBER KHALIFA UNIVERSITY TEAM WINS INJAZ UAE’S COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021 FOR ITS SUBSCRIPTION BOX COMPANY ‘ULBATI’ FOR EVERY ULBATI BOX A CHILD RECEIVES, University under INJAZ UAE’s flagship Company 10% GOES TO EMIRATES RED CRESCENT TO Program strongly illustrates that our students not SUPPORT STUDENTS AROUND THE WORLD only excel in research and scientific exploration, A five-member team of Chemical Engineering but also in entrepreneurial initiatives that aim to graduates won the ‘Company of The Year Award help the community through charity organizations. 2021 – University track’ for its subscription box company Ulbati, under INJAZ UAE’s flagship The Ulbati concept indicates the extent of our Company Program. students’ commitment to sharing and giving back to the community, which is in line with The KU team – Reem Almaskari, Fatema Alzaabi, the university’s mandate to build a diverse Beshara Saad, Maha Al Seiari and Mariam community of service-oriented, ambitious and Ahmed – won the award for Ulbati, the concept talented individuals, through an environment that for a subscription box company. Created for kids, encourages and nurtures creative inquiry, critical it is filled with activities themed around Emirati thinking, and human values. We are delighted culture and achievements, as well as Islamic with the creative and commercial spirit of our values. For every Ulbati box a child receives, students and we believe this award will encourage 10% of the revenue is donated to Emirates Red more students to explore entrepreneurship as an Crescent to support students around the world. avenue to translate their knowledge into business ventures, offering valuable products and services.” Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice- President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said: “The winning award for Khalifa READ MORE HERE
PUBLISHED PAPERS Published Papers in To view the link to the published article, Q1 Journals PLEASE CLICK HERE Title The Humeral Head: A Review of the Blood Supply and Possible Link to Osteonecrosis Following Rotator Cuff Repair Journal Journal of Anatomy KU Authors Dr. Natalie Keough, Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Dr. Dietrich Lorke, Professor and Chair of the Anatomy and Cellular Biology Department Link VIEW LINK Title Multiomic Analysis of the Arabian Camel (Camelus Dromedarius) Kidney Reveals a Role for Cholesterol in Water Conservation Journal Communications Biology KU Authors Dr. Abdu Adem, Professor of Pharmacology Link VIEW LINK Title Climatology of the Heat Low and the Intertropical Discontinuity in the Arabian Peninsula Journal International Journal of Climatology KU Authors Dr. Ricardo Fonseca, Research Scientist, Engeos Lab; Dr. Diana Francis, Senior Research Scientist and Head of the ENGEOS Lab; and Dr. Narendra Nelli, Postdoctoral Fellow, Engeos Lab Link VIEW LINK Title Improving Personalized Tumor Growth Predictions Using a Bayesian Combination of Mechanistic Modeling and Machine Learning Journal Communications Medicine KU Authors Dr. Haralampos Hatzikirou, Associate Professor of Mathematics Link VIEW LINK
PUBLISHED PAPERS Title BIO-LGCA: A Cellular Automaton Modeling Class for Analysing Collective Cell Migration Journal PLOS Computational Biology KU Authors Dr. Haralampos Hatzikirou, Associate Professor of Mathematics Link VIEW LINK Title Upregulation of Oxidative Stress Gene Markers During SARS-COV-2 Viral Infection Journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine KU Authors Dr. Habiba Al Safar, Director of the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology and Associate Professor of Genetics and Molecular Biology Link VIEW LINK Title Systems Immunology Analysis Reveals the Contribution of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Tissues to the Immunopathogenesis of Severe COVID-19 Patients Journal Frontiers in Immunology KU Authors Dr. Habiba Al Safar, Director of the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology and Associate Professor of Genetics and Molecular Biology Link VIEW LINK Title Neuroprotective Activities of Crossyne flava Bulbs and Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease Journal Molecules KU Authors Dr. Okobi E. Ekpo, Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology Link VIEW LINK Title Factors Associated with Medication Non-Adherence in Patients with Dyslipidemia Journal Healthcare KU Authors Dr. Eman Alefishat, Associate Professor of Pharmacology Link VIEW LINK
PUBLISHED PAPERS Title Short Stature with Low Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Availability Due to Pregnancy- Associated Plasma Protein A2 Deficiency in a Saudi Family Journal Clinical Genetics KU Authors Dr. Asma Deeb, Adjunct Clinical Professor Link VIEW LINK Title Curcumin Potentiates α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Alleviates Autistic-Like Social Deficits and Brain Oxidative Stress Status in Mice Journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences KU Authors Dr. Dietrich Lorke, Professor and Chair of the Anatomy and Cellular Biology Department Link VIEW LINK Title The Atmospheric Controls of Extreme Convective Events Over the Southern Arabian Peninsula During the Spring Season Journal Atmospheric Research KU Authors Dr. Narendra Nelli, Postdoctoral Fellow, ENGEOS Lab; Dr. Diana Francis, Senior Research Scientist and Head of the ENGEOS Lab; Dr. Ricardo Fonseca, Research Scientist, ENGEOS Lab; Dr. Rachid Abida, ENGEOS Lab Research Scientist; Michael Weston, ENGEOS Lab Research Engineer; and Youssef Wehbe, Civil Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering Graduate Student Link VIEW LINK Title Noscapine Prevents Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity: Involvement of Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation and Autophagy Pathways Journal Molecules KU Authors Dr. Abdu Adem, Professor of Pharmacology Link VIEW LINK
You can also read